Euro funding to help people into work

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is one of 16 councils to share in a £43 million fund to help more Scots into work.

The £770,000 will go to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to help people overcome barriers to getting into work including long-term unemployment, following confirmation of Scotland’s share of the first stream of funding released under the Employability Strategic Interventions (SIs) as part of the European Social Fund (ESF) programme for 2014 – 2020.

Fair Work Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “While the overall economic picture for Scotland remains generally very positive, particularly when compared to where we were at the peak of the recession, there remains work to be done.

“We must maintain momentum and ensure that every power at our disposal is used to grow the economy, increase employment, lower unemployment and remove barriers to the jobs market.

“We are committed to supporting people in their efforts to find viable, quality employment. To do that, we have to work hard with partners to remove the barriers people can face in trying to enter the labour market.

“This strand of European Social Funding is designed to do exactly that and I am very pleased to be able to confirm £770,000 for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

“ Alongside action to boost employment and growth around the country, I hope to see further positive results stemming from this vital investment.